In 2000, I was seven years old. As a so-called millenial, I don't remember much from the 1990s, I don't remember the "good ole days" but I do remember the 2000 New Year's Eve. The party I went to was at my local church camp, with local church friends, who probably tried to protect the children's ears from the scare of Y2K. I could still sense the fear, anxiety and intensity of that night. As we went home, fireworks cracking over the hillsides, every one was tired, but more relaxed, relieved even.

in 2016, we have again allowed fear of many things and anxiety plague our days. Last night, with the bringing of a new year, we felt a sense of relief that this year we had is over. On a macro level, there was war, attacks, celebrities died and new viruses broke out. In my own life, I was a recent graduate, who was swept into a job, a decent job, that ended up controlling the last six months of my life. During this time, I ran a frame shop & small gallery, essentially by myself, organizing the mess that was left for me. Success took several months, but after taking the reigns, I felt like I had mastered the job as best I could. I could even consider the possibility of going into curation in the future. Nearing the end of 2016, I had a large meltdown. Shouting, screaming, fighting with the one person I love most. And that is when I decided I needed a change. One many people did not see coming.

I decided to make space. Make space to create: so I cleaned my studio. Make space to be quiet. Make space to be happy. I quit this job. I have decided that making art is a priority. I took a job with less hours, so I could have space for this. Space to think, make, be well and live fearlessly.

If you have felt fearful, anxious, screaming at the life around you, or just depressed and unsatisfied, let this year be the year to allow yourself to make space.